Yaskawa and Vipa present motion control in the PLC
May 2016
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Yaskawa and Vipa have jointly introduced the SLIO CPU iMC7, which allows the direct implementation of motion control functions in the PLC. The communication between the Vipa SLIO CPU and the Yaskawa drives runs via EtherCAT. For the configuration of such control, the Vipa engineering tool Speed7 Studio was extended by adding the Yaskawa Sigma-7 motion control modules.
The new CPU iMC7, based on the existing standard functions of the CPU 015, allows PG/OP communication, functions blocks, supported protocols of the Ethernet communication and the configuration of the CPU, via the VIPA Set Card (VSC). Additionally the motion control functions and EtherCAT are also configurable via the VSC. An important aspect for universal applicability is the presentation of the Step7 function block in a similar format to the PLCopen motion function blocks. This defines a library of function blocks for motion control, which includes the functions of single axis or axes groups. EtherCAT is also the communication protocol for data exchange between the PLC CPU and the motion control modules.
The revised version of the programming and configuration tool allows direct configuration of the fieldbus between the CPU iMC7, the drives and the I/O. For this, the Yaskawa drive modules are accessed directly from the integrated hardware catalogue and then transferred via drag-and-drop into the hardware configuration. It is no problem to program the user application via the motion function blocks and to configure cam profiles, even if the user has little knowledge of the motion and drives world.
With the Sigma-7 series, Yaskawa sets standards regarding diversity, precision and reliability in drives technology. The series offers standard rotation motors as well as linear and direct drives. The auto-tuning functions allow the complete configuration of the servo-axis in a machine within less than two hours. The Sigma-7 servo drive solutions consist of servomotors und the servo amplifiers. Both components have exactly the properties necessary for optimal operation.
The drive solutions include motor power from 50 W up to 15 kW for rotation motors and peaks loads of 7560 N for linear motors. The optimised motor construction results in improved cooling, which implies energy savings of ca. 20%, since no additional cooling is needed at temperatures between 0 and 55°C.
For more information contact Terry Rosenberg, Yaskawa Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 608 3182, [email protected], www.yaskawa.za.com
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